Goal 2 - Identify novel genomic repeat and microRNA compositions
Another focus of our lab is de novo genome sequencing using the departmental Ion Torrent Next Gen sequencer as well as training students in the retrieval of sequences from publicly available datasets. Following sequence acquisition, students are trained how to annotate these using web-based applications, and how to use alignment software to identify genomic hairpins, putative miRNAs, and novel repeats.

Goal 3 – Characterize novel prokaryotic and eukaryotic small RNAs.
I wholly believe that life arose from small RNA interactions. I further believe that life and all cellular activity are still coordinated by small, noncoding RNA biology. Unfortunately due to their small size, the vast majority of small, noncoding RNAs remain undescribed. Another focus of my laboratory is the sequencing of small RNA populations from a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic species.

Goal 4 - Characterize miRNA misregulations with casual roles in oncogenesis.
Utilizing many of the tools described above, my students also computationally examine additional putative (potentially causal) microRNA interactions through exploring publicly available small RNA libraries derived from specific oncologies.